Roku has unveiled its latest media streaming box.
The company claims the current version of its media streaming set-top box is over five times faster than previous players – allowing users to access their favorite content more quickly than before. The set-top box also boasts a rather interesting enhanced remote control, with a headphone port built into its side.
When a user mutes the TV sound system, the audio automatically begins streaming over that headphone port via a pair of included in-ear headphones.
The Roku 3 offers over 750 channels of entertainment and supports full HD resolution video playback, with the remote control also acting as a motion controller for video games. The set-top box boasts integrated WiFi, along with its own ethernet and USB ports.
One key difference between the Roku 3 and previous media streaming devices? The new device only supports HDTVs. This is because the only connectivity option for the media streamer is via an HDMI port (Note: The HDMI cable isn’t included in the $99.99 shipping price). The box measures 3.5 x 3.5 x 1-inches and supports both 7.1 and 5.1 surround sound pass through. A microSD card slot allows for additional game storage and more channels.
The company is also debuting its new interface on the Roku 3, making it easier to find the channels you’re looking for and search for new content. The new interface will be offered for other Roku players as a free software update in April. Additional players slated to receive the update include the Roku 2 models, Roku HD (model 2500), Roku LT and the Roku Streaming Stick.
